Resilient Lions claim maximum points in a keenly contested encounter

The selection

Coach Olayiwola opted for a 4-3-3 setup for today’s encounter with Skipper Lekan Ajeyomi and Bobola Ojo retaining their spot at the back while Seun Ojo dropped to the reserves. Onome Adepoju and Omolade Ibitayo retained their spots in the wingback positions while Femi Olofinjana kept his place in defensive midfield after an impressive performance yesterday. Femi Ariyo was drafted in to play alongside Dotun Olafisoye in midfield.

The duo of Amaechi Sunday and Mighty Aderibigbe kept their place upfront while Opeyemi Micheal got a chance to start against his former side. With the midfield duo of Femi Ariyo and Dotun Olafisoye providing the necessary creativity and stability, the attacking trio of Amaechi Sunday, Mighty Aderibigbe and Opeyemi Micheal proved to be a formidable force as they looked to make their mark on the game.

Ahead at the break

The game started on a very lively note from kickoff. The Lions could have grabbed the opener as early as the 2nd minute but Mighty’s flicked header was intercepted for a corner kick. The Lions were relentless in their attack, dominating possession and creating several goal-scoring opportunities, but they were unable to find the breakthrough despite their best efforts.

The opponents also had their own chance in the 7th minute but the winger’s effort was dragged wide despite having only the goalkeeper to beat. The Lions were unfortunate not to find the breakthrough, as their opponents had their own opportunity to open the scoring. The winger, who was presented with a great chance, failed to make the most of it and his effort was off target.

We took the lead deservedly in the 30th minute and it was Opeyemi Michael who got one over his former side off a clever setup by Amaechi. This made sure the Lions headed into the break with the lead. Opeyemi Michael’s goal was a result of a well-executed team play. Amaechi’s pass to Opeyemi was a flawless setup that allowed Opeyemi to get the ball past his former team and give the Lions the lead.

 

Late winner

The Lions kept up the tempo and kept asking for more after the break. The lead could have been doubled but Lekan Ajeyomi’s header crashed against the crossbar. Despite this, the Lions continued to press forward and created several more scoring opportunities. They maintained their intensity and tempo, forcing the opposing team to stay on defense. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on the chances they created.

The opponents however restored parity in a very controversial manner when the referee pointed to the spot even after only awarding a foul outside the box. Agbana FC’s skipper showed remarkable composure to make it 1-1, despite the contentious decision by the referee.

Unperturbed by the setback and with few changes made by the gaffer, the Lions got the winner in an emphatic fashion through Mighty Aderibigbe. This was achieved with a very clinical finish off an assist by Dotun Olafisoye. After weathering a difficult period, the team was able to pull off a result due to their refusal to be deterred. The goal was scored through a combination of a well-crafted pass from Olafisoye and a precise finish from Aderibigbe, showcasing their technical skill and team chemistry. With their superb teamwork, Aderibigbe’s goal proved to be the pivotal moment of the match, proving that the team’s commitment and resilience were the driving forces behind their victory.

What’s next?

Tomorrow morning at 8:00am, the Lions take on Emalex FC in the final group game of the preseason tournament. The result of this match could decide which team advances to the final and has the chance to take the trophy home.

Wonderxchange (4-3-3): Emmanuel, Bobola, Lekan, Onome (Seun 88), Omolade, Femi, Dotun, Ariyo, Amaechi (Musa 75), Opeyemi(Chinedu 75), Oluwarotimi.

Unused subs: Tope , Miracle, Tomisin, Romeo, Victor, Lekan Arifayan, Osasu, Omotayo,

Goalscorer: Opeyemi 30, Mighty 86

Booked: Ariyo 50, Omolade 53, Femi 90.